Become a Fan

Arnica

04/28/2011

I found some of the dangers of using arnica on the website LIVESTRONG.com. Here's what they said:

"Considerations

Although the safest use of arnica is external as a topical remedy, using arnica on your skin can still cause side effects like:

irritation,

blisters,

allergic reactions,

peeling

blisters,

warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Arnica is usually not recommended for use on open wounds or broken skin. Even in diluted homeopathic dosages, taking arnica internally can cause severe side effects, such as low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal distress, coma and even death, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In fact, in 1999 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified arnica as unsafe for internal use due to the plant's poisonous properties.

Warning

Don't use arnica remedies before first consulting your doctor if you have blood pressure problems, or if you take:

anti-hypertensive,

anticoagulant or

antiplatelet drugs,

warns the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Arnica could interact negatively with these types of medications, particularly if you take the homeopathic remedy internally. Using arnica topically doesn't appear to interact with any medications, but you should still discuss these possible health risks with your doctor before applying arnica remedies, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center."

Placebo effect tests have been performed on arnica for years. Some tests show arnica is benefitial while other test show it's basically a plecebo effect and has no benefits at all. Article

All I know is I have been applying arnica for the past two weeks and I haven't felt any diffent. I know my arm is healing but I don't know if it has anything to do with the arnica that I am applying.

Tomorrow is arnica weekly round up and a personal tip of the day that will be sure to make you smile.

The arnica massage oil can be combined with essential oils such as lavender and rosemary. This warms and calms the skin and is great when used after you exercise, shower or bathe. You can also use this to settle down before bedtime.

Arnica Gel/lotion. The gel provides on-the-spot pain relief by rubbing the affected area. This is usually non-sticky, non-greasy and glides easily on the skin.

Arnica Tablets. You dissolve this under your tongue. Take it before you work out or even work out while it starts to dissolve. It gives quick relief for muscle pain, bruising, overexertion and soreness. These tablets are safe and non-habit forming. Take a tablet before a game or a strenuous physical activity to lessen the fatigue and pain you may experience later, as well as prevent bruises and welts from showing up

Arnica Massage Cream. A massage is soothing enough. When it’s done with an arnica massage balm, ahh! That’s the ticket! This massage balm works well to relax and soothe your tired and aching muscles. This usually comes in oil or gel form and glides gently on the skin.

Arnica Bath Soak. After a day of strenuous exercise or activities, take a dip in warm, relaxing waters infused with arnica and other relaxing ingredients. A good arnica bath soap will combine the healing powers of arnica with the calming, softening and soothing properties of lavender, oats, chamomile and clover. This is usually a soap-free liquid you can use to just let your hair down and soak away the aches and pains of the day. You will come out of your bath naturally refreshed and revitalized. Those who suffer from arthritis and rheumatism will surely relieve achy joints and muscles.

Arnica Spray Spritz, relax and relieve! Arnica spay contains diluted arnica with isopropyl alcohol. Immediately spray this when you take a fall, get a bump or sprain an ankle. This is usually a non-sticky spray that provides welcome relief from muscle aches, bruises and stiffness.

Oral strips with Arnica. These oral strips easily dissolve in the mouth. This is for those who live busy and active lifestyles. Just put a thin strip under your tongue and you’re on your way to pain relief. These strips usually come in easy-to-carry packets.

Arnica Pedicure Mousse. This pedicure mousse softens hard and calloused soles, toes and cuticles. Since this treatment contains arnica, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it can strengthen nails. A good soak with the pedicure mousse in warm water is a perfect way to treat your feet right.

Arnica Tincture. A few drops of arnica tincture on your bruised or swelling body part will go a long way in providing relief. The tincture also fights inflammation and irritation. You can also paint it on chilblains as long as there are no open wounds.

Arnica Body Patches. Stick a patch on the painful area so that you can experience natural healing. Aside from arnica, these patches also usually contain other essential oils that will even make the arnica more potent in getting rid of your sore muscles and joints.

Some people think arnica is beneficial and others believe it doesn't do anything for them. There has been many tests done on arnica and there hasn't been any confirmation that arnica is helpful for any of the benefits listed or products listed for it's uses.

Tomorrow are some of the dangers and examples of tests performed on people using arnica and using the placebo effect for accurate results.

04/25/2011

On my trip to China I got a couple of massages. The first one was absolutley amazing and the other... Well lets just say during the massage my arm was in extreme pain!

I asked myself "Did she just break a tendon in my arm?" I know something wasn't right but I was in China and wrapped my arm up in an ace bandage and waited till I returned to the states.

At the doctors they took an exray of my arm.

Yes, now you all have seen my arm naked... *blushing*

Nothing was wrong structurally and the doctor told me I have a ruptured flexor pelicllous longus tendon. Lets just say that I will never forget that massage!

Yep big bummer, but everything happens for a reason. Maybe my body telling me to slow down and breathe a bit. The doctor says I shouldn't use my right arm for about three weeks or longer so it can heal.

My physical therapist Brian, who is remarkable and I recommend him to everyone who needs any type of wrist, hand or arm therapy, made a small wager that I will over due it because I am constantly on the go and reinjure myself. I'm thinking he said that as more of a mental note for myself since I am so competitive, but we will see Dr. we will see!

Hollywood Hands: 8600 3rd Street Suite 3b (310) 275-2130

So to get to the point I need to constantly ice my arm, keep it in a splint and put Arnica gel on it.

So what is Arnica gel?

Arnica gel is closely related to the sunflower family. It's a perennial herb tat grows in Europe, the northern United States, Canada and eastern Asia. It's a daisy- like flower and root or rhizome which are often used in herbal medicines.

As an herb it can be taken orally or on the skin for wounds, infections and inflammation. The available scientific evidence does not support most of the claims about arnica's effectiveness.

Either way, proven or not, I have been using it on my arm for the past three days and I feel it's helping my arm improve. Mind over matter in some cases.

Tomorrow will be about all the benefits of arnica. Wish my arm luck, this woman needs to get going!